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Business Quote by David Hume

“I am first affrighted and confounded with that forelorn solitude, in which I am plac'd in my philosophy, and fancy myself some strange uncouth monster, who not being able to mingle and unite in society, has been expell'd all human commerce, and left utterly abandon'd and disconsolate. Fain wou'd I…” quote by David Hume
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““I am first affrighted and confounded with that forelorn solitude, in which I am plac'd in my philosophy, and fancy myself some strange uncouth monster, who not being able to mingle and unite in society, has been expell'd all human commerce, and left utterly abandon'd and disconsolate. Fain wou'd I run into the crowd for shelter and warmth; but cannot prevail with myself to mix with such deformity. I call upon others to join me, in order to make a company apart; but no one will hearken to me. Every one keeps at a distance, and dreads that storm, which beats upon me from every side. I have expos'd myself to the enmity of all metaphysicians, logicians, mathematicians, and even theologians; and can I wonder at the insults I must suffer? I have declar'd my disapprobation of their systems; and can I be surpriz'd, if they shou'd express a hatred of mine and of my person? When I look abroad, I foresee on every side, dispute, contradiction, anger, calumny and detraction. When I turn my eye inward, I find nothing but doubt and ignorance. All the world conspires to oppose and contradict me; tho' such is my weakness, that I feel all my opinions loosen and fall of themselves, when unsupported by the approbation of others. Every step I take is with hesitation, and every new reflection makes me dread an error and absurdity in my reasoning.””

David Hume

About This Quote

Source Philosophical Essay: Treatise on Human Nature, 1739

The author feels isolated, doubting his ideas and fearing rejection by intellectual peers.

In simple terms: Feeling isolated and doubted.

Key Takeaway

Seek supportive dialogue to validate ideas.

Themes

philosophy isolation self‑doubt

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • academic conferences
  • writing groups
  • peer review

Key Concepts

intellectual community confidence critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one balance self‑confidence with constructive criticism?
  • What practices foster resilient intellectual identity?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on external approval can hinder independent thought.

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